Legal challenge launched against US rule ending duration of status for international students

A coalition representing international education, labour unions, universities, and media organizations has launched a legal challenge against the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) over a new rule ending duration of status for international students. The claimants argue the rule violates the Administrative Procedure Act by failing to assess costs and benefits, respond to public comments, or justify the regulation based on its stated objectives.

The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court in Massachusetts, seeks to block the rule, which is set to take effect on September 15. Under the new regulation, international students will be subject to fixed time limits on their study visas, requiring them to file for extensions if their studies exceed four years. Critics say this will disrupt educational pathways, impose burdens on institutions, and reduce the US’s appeal as a study destination.

## Concerns over educational and economic impact

Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA: Association of International Educators, stated that the rule’s sweeping harm to national interests warrants legal action. Miriam Fledlum, CEO of the Presidents’ Alliance, criticized the rule for not aligning with program lengths or students’ needs, arguing it shifts academic decisions to immigration officials and undermines the US’s competitiveness in attracting global talent.

The rule also restricts students’ ability to change educational objectives, transfer institutions, or pursue additional programs, which opponents say will burden international students and deter them from studying in the US. The United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) joined the lawsuit, with President Shawn Fain calling the rule discriminatory and short-sighted, advocating for stability and protections for international workers and scholars.

Experts warn the rule will threaten colleges’ revenue, compounding economic losses from declining international student numbers, which are projected to cost the US at least $3.4 billion in direct economic contributions.

## Broad coalition and legal action

The coalition includes seven organizations spanning higher education, labour, and media, highlighting cross-sector opposition. Alongside NAFSA and the Presidents’ Alliance, the claimants include the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts (AICUM), the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the Graduate Labour Organisation (GLO), the UAW, UAW Local 2322, and The NewsGuild-CWA.

Jon Schless, president of The NewsGuild-CWA, criticized the rule for shortening the duration of journalists’ I visas, arguing it undermines press freedom. The coalition filed a complaint and a motion for preliminary injunction to prevent the rule from taking effect next month.